"What about that good-for-nothing son of that nephew of mine? Is he dead yet?"
"Not yet, Your Highness. But… he likely won't make it past the night."
"Good. Make sure everything is handled cleanly—no evidence left behind. If you leave a trail, I won't spare you," Prince Rui warned, rising from his chair. His robe trailed behind him like flowing shadows as he left the study.
The shadow guard bowed deeply.
Meanwhile, in the mountains.
Xiang Long Wei leaned weakly on Nine as they approached the riverbank. Ming Mei and Mei Liang followed close behind. A small boat awaited them, ready to carry them back to the capital.
Just as they were about to board, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed behind them.
"Wait! Please wait!"
A girl's voice cried out, breathless and desperate.
Xiang Long Wei, already helped into the boat by Nine, remained seated. Mei Liang, assisted by Ming Mei, stepped into the boat without turning back. But her expression faltered the moment she heard the voice.
